For over 240 years, Americans have celebrated the nation’s independence.Millions of people will fire up the grill for some July 4th fun, but hot dogs, hamburgers and pool parties are just some of the ways Independence Day is celebrated. Some events are unique to the holiday. A July 4th celebration isn’t complete without great food. Because of that great fact, cities and towns all across the country host eating contests for those brave enough to sit through a larger than life meal. One of the country’s biggest competitive eating contests happens every year on the Fourth of July in Brooklyn, New York. Since 1916, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has brought together the brightest and hungriest for the coveted championship belt.Last year’s champion, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut took the title after eating 70 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. If eating dozens of hot dogs isn’t exactly your Independence Day style, there’s always the fireworks. Fireworks displays are a stable of July 4th celebrations. No fireworks show is more world-renowned than the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show. Every year people from all over the world converge on New York City to witness the huge display. In 2016, an estimated one million people watched from the show from the ground. This year, over 60,000 shells are expected to be launched from the East River. Whether you plan to celebrate Independence Day with a backyard barbecue, a full-on eating contest or an amazing fireworks display, there’s sure to be a surge of patriotic pride as you ring in the next year of America’s independence.

For over 240 years, Americans have celebrated the nation’s independence.

Millions of people will fire up the grill for some July 4th fun, but hot dogs, hamburgers and pool parties are just some of the ways Independence Day is celebrated. Some events are unique to the holiday.

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A July 4th celebration isn’t complete without great food. Because of that great fact, cities and towns all across the country host eating contests for those brave enough to sit through a larger than life meal.

One of the country’s biggest competitive eating contests happens every year on the Fourth of July in Brooklyn, New York. Since 1916, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has brought together the brightest and hungriest for the coveted championship belt.

Last year’s champion, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut took the title after eating 70 hot dogs in just 10 minutes.

If eating dozens of hot dogs isn’t exactly your Independence Day style, there’s always the fireworks. Fireworks displays are a stable of July 4th celebrations.

No fireworks show is more world-renowned than the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show.

Every year people from all over the world converge on New York City to witness the huge display. In 2016, an estimated one million people watched from the show from the ground. This year, over 60,000 shells are expected to be launched from the East River.

Whether you plan to celebrate Independence Day with a backyard barbecue, a full-on eating contest or an amazing fireworks display, there’s sure to be a surge of patriotic pride as you ring in the next year of America’s independence.